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Marriott Opens Luxury Collection Resort in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia

Marriott has expanded its portfolio of Luxury Collection resorts in Indonesia with the opening of a waterfront property in Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province. The Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is located a 10-minute drive from Komodo International Airport (LBJ) and is within walking distance from an array of cultural attractions such as Mirror Stone Cave, Rumah Tenun, Melo Village and more. "Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo, marks a significant landmark as not only the first property in East Nusa Tenggara for The Luxury Collection brand, but also the first for the Marriott International portfolio at large,” said Philipp Weghmann, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection. “As we continue our global foray into the resort category, Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo is a natural and stunning fit. The Luxury Collection provides today’s global travelers with rare experiences that are deeply reflective of the destination, and through that lens we invite guests to discover the beauty and vibrant history of Labuan Bajo.” Spread across 16 hectares and designed by ANP Interiors, Ta’aktana features a total of 70 guest rooms including 45 suites and 25 villas with 24-hour butler service. “We are proud to introduce Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo as the latest addition to our portfolio,” said Ramesh Jackson, Area Vice President at Marriott International, Indonesia & Malaysia. “This marks a noteworthy milestone for Marriott International as we extend our presence into the captivating landscapes of Labuan Bajo. We invite travelers to explore and connect with the soul of Flores island, where luxury seamlessly intertwines with the rich cultural treasures of this captivating destination.” The word Ta’aktana, meaning green land, is derived from the Manggarai language of Flores island and is an ode to Lingko Field, distinctive web shaped rice fields that serve as a cherished part of traditional Manggarai culture. Facilities at the resort include three restaurants, a lounge, bar, fitness center, a spa with six private treatment rooms, steam room, plunge pool, a choice of meeting and event spaces, and an oceanfront chapel. “It is an honor to welcome guests to our haven in Labuan Bajo,” says Peter-Paul Kleiss, Resort Manager of Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo. “Our resort is not just a destination; it's a journey into the heart of Labuan Bajo’s heritage and breathtaking landscapes. The property is a testament to our commitment to providing a unique and authentic guest experience, where luxury meets tradition. I am excited to lead our dedicated team in ensuring that every guest discovers the magic of Ta’aktana, delivering unparalleled experiences in this extraordinary corner of Indonesia.”

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India contributes a market share of 11% to Sharjah’s tourism: Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, SCTDA

The emirate welcomed over 1.5 million hotel guests, marking an 11% increase. Aiming to double hotel guests and boost GDP contribution to AED 450 billion by 2031. As the UAE get enlarged in its tourism vigour, the emirates also are individually witnessing significant surge in tourism, fueled by robust strategic initiatives and impressive investments in the sector. To understand how Sharjah is spreading out its wings, T3 reaches out to Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). Midfa mentions that in 2022, according to the UN World Tourism Organisation, UAE ranked 4th in international tourist spending, with Sharjah experiencing remarkable growth. In 2023, the emirate welcomed over 1.5 million hotel guests, marking an 11% increase. This growth aligns with the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, aiming to double hotel guests and boost GDP contribution to AED 450 billion by 2031. India as a source market, infrastructure development India plays a crucial role in Sharjah’s tourism, with a market share of 11%. Travelers from India seek premium experiences in Sharjah, drawn to its diverse attractions. From bustling metropolises like Mumbai and Delhi to vibrant hubs like Bangalore and Chennai, Indian tourists contribute significantly to Sharjah’s tourism narrative. Sharjah’s ability to offer premium experiences at accessible prices makes it a destination of choice for savvy travelers, further driving tourism growth in the region. As Sharjah continues to evolve as a global tourism hotspot, its partnership with key markets like India underscores its enduring appeal and commitment to offering unparalleled experiences. In Sharjah, a $272 million investment in the Kalba Road expansion and traffic improvements underscores a commitment to intra-emirate connectivity and congestion alleviation. Notably, Kalba, a picturesque east coast town, is undergoing a revitalisation spearheaded by His Highness, encompassing historic site restoration and modern infrastructure development. This multifaceted approach aims to position Kalba as a prominent tourist destination while enriching the lives of residents. Preserving heritage is paramount for Sharjah, that is demonstrated by the meticulous restoration of cultural sites like Mleiha and the Heart of Sharjah district. Moreover, with initiatives such as the $336 million expansion of Sharjah International Airport, the UAE underscores its commitment to technological advancement, ensuring seamless travel experiences for tourists. Implementation of the unified tourist visa system shaping inter-regional travel dynamics in The GCC? Will Sharjah benefit from the same? The implementation of a unified tourist visa system within the GCC is poised to revolutionise inter-regional travel dynamics, fostering seamless exploration of the diverse cultural and historical treasures across member states. By simplifying bureaucratic hurdles and harmonising visa processes, this initiative will effectively open the doors to enriching experiences for travelers within the region. For Sharjah, this development holds immense strategic significance. As a cultural hub renowned for its rich heritage and vibrant attractions, it stands to benefit substantially from increased accessibility facilitated by the unified visa system. Streamlined visa procedures will not only attract a greater influx of tourists eager to delve into the emirate’s rich offerings, but also position Sharjah as a pivotal stop for travellers venturing through the GCC region. Moreover, the enhanced regional connectivity will present the emirate as an enticing gateway to explore neighbouring GCC destinations. Sharjah’s perspective on ‘Competing collaboratively’ within the GCC region Creating an ecosystem that champions “competing collaboratively” is paramount for fostering mutual growth and innovation within the GCC region. Embracing collaboration is ingrained in Sharjah’s DNA, evident in its active participation in regional and international events alongside diverse government and private entities. From joint tourism campaigns to cultural exchanges and cross-promotional events, Sharjah leverages collaborative marketing and promotional strategies to enhance the tourism sector’s overall vitality. By doing so, Sharjah not only fortifies its own position as a premier tourism destination but also contributes significantly to the collective success and reputation of the region. Tackling perceptions of having limited access to leisure, entertainment, & nightlife In the GCC’s evolving landscape, a profound transformation is reshaping perceptions of leisure. While countries in the region, including UAE and Sharjah, maintain our historical emphasis on cultural authenticity, we are designing strategic initiatives that are propelling a new era of tourism. Sharjah, renowned for its rich history and culture, is at the forefront of this movement. This evolution mirrors a broader trend across the GCC, with governments investing in diversifying tourism offerings and engaging with a youthful demographic. The future of tourism in the GCC hinges on striking a balance between cultural preservation and contemporary leisure amenities. By blending authentic experiences with modern conveniences, destinations like Sharjah are challenging preconceived notions and captivating a discerning global audience. As the GCC ascends as a premier tourist destination, bridging the perceived gap in leisure and entertainment offerings, the narrative is undergoing a paradigm shift, redefining leisure tourism on the global stage.

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Malaysia Airlines to Operate 71 Weekly Flights in India with New Daily Service to Amritsar

In light of strong travel demand and solid load factor performance on the Amritsar-Kuala Lumpur route, Malaysia Airlines will increase its service frequency from four to seven times weekly starting August 1, 2024. The airline had previously raised its service frequency from two to four weekly flights to Amritsar in January 2024, reflecting the growing market confidence. This increase in frequency will bring the total number of Malaysia Airlines’ weekly flights in India to 71. Amritsar, which was introduced as a new route in November 2023 along with Ahmedabad and Trivandrum, is part of the airline’s strategic expansion in India. The frequency on the Trivandrum route was also recently increased to four times weekly starting April 3, 2024. Malaysia Airlines has an expansive network in India, operating flights from nine major cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, and Trivandrum. As a key gateway for Indian travelers to Asia and beyond, the airline provides smooth connections to destinations like Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, and other significant locations in the Asia Pacific region. Commenting on this development, Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said “India remains a cornerstone of our business strategy. We are delighted to strengthen our operations in this dynamic market by further boosting flight frequencies from Amritsar. Operating 71 weekly flights between India and Malaysia, we remain steadfast towards offering enhanced flexibility and travel options to Indian travellers, serving as the gateway to Asia and beyond. With our extensive network, comfortable transit options, and delivery of our inimitable Malaysian Hospitality, we are confident about capturing the escalating travel demand from India.” To mark the expansion of flight frequencies, Malaysia Airlines is offering special promotional fares, encouraging Indian travelers to discover Malaysia. Promotional round-trip fares from Amritsar to Kuala Lumpur start at INR 15,099 and are available for purchase until June 7, 2024, for travel until March 31, 2025.

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Widespread rain expected in Kerala for 7 days, night travel ban in Idukki

Intense downpour accompanied by gusty winds on Tuesday wreaked havoc in central and south Kerala, as landslides, widespread water-logging and the destruction of houses forced several people to shift to relief camps. Tourist centres have been closed in many districts, including Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram and a night travel ban has been imposed in the hilly areas of Idukki district. The landslide caused widespread destruction in the Chokkallu area of Bharananganam village in Kottayam. In Ernakulam district, particularly Kochi city, extremely heavy rainfall lasted for hours, submerging roads in many areas. Experts said cloudbursts could be the reason for the heavier-than-usual rainfall that pounded various parts of the port city of Kochi, especially the Kalamassery locality, where flood water entered hundreds of houses. Both Kottayam and Ernakulam districts were placed on red alert by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday. With the weather agency predicting heavy rainfall in the coming hours, the district administration banned tourists from entering famed holiday destinations like Illikkal Kallu, Ilaveezhapoonchira, Marmala stream in Kottayam and Ponmudi eco-tourism centre in Thiruvananthapuram. As the water level in the Meenachil River in Kottayam and Killiyar in Thiruvananthapuram steadily rose, authorities urged local people living on its banks to pay extra vigil and shift to safer places if necessary. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a Facebook post, warned that the extremely heavy rainfall is likely to trigger dangers such as landslides, mudslides, flooding, and so on. He said that the chances of waterlogging and inundation are high in low-lying areas and along riverbanks. The CM also advised people to avoid unnecessary travel and urged them to remain in safer places. Officials said shutters of dams like Aruvikkara and Malankara dams were raised at particular intervals. Several families were shifted to relief camps, especially in rural and coastal areas in various districts, they said. South and central districts like Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, and Ernakulam mainly bore the brunt of the continuous downpour, which caused waterlogging, damage to houses, trees to be uprooted, and tiny water bodies to overflow, cutting across towns and villages. Earlier in the day, many narrow lanes and busy roads in Kochi city and adjacent areas were submerged due to continuous downpours. People could not venture out of their homes in many areas of the port city as roads were flooded. Vehicles were seen moving at snail's pace on highways following the rain. Normal life was hit in the Kakkanad-Infopark, one of the IT hubs of the state, and Aluva-Edappally areas due to waterlogging. An uprooted tree fell on a state-run KSRTC bus at Thoppumpady in Kochi. Luckily, passengers escaped unhurt. Intense rains caused mudslides and disrupted traffic on Erattupetta and Vagamon roads in Kottayam district. The city and rural areas of the capital district of Thiruvananthapuram have witnessed heavy rains since Monday night. In nearby Neyyattinkara, a house was severely damaged after an uprooted tree fell on it during heavy rains accompanied by winds. Nedumangad, Neyyattinkara, Kattakkada, and Amboori areas, located in the high ranges of the district, received widespread rainfall. According to the local residents, a portion of a hill behind the famous Bali mandapam at Papanasam in nearby Varkala caved in because of heavy rains. High tides and rough seas were witnessed in coastal areas, posing a threat to fishing vessels. Two incidents of boat capsizing were also reported off the coasts of Muthalapozhi fishing hamlet, located about 30 kilometres away from here. In one incident, a fisherman died after his boat overturned due to high tidal waves this morning. Three others, who also fell into the sea, were rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital, police said. State Revenue Minister K Rajan said the central Kerala region witnessed heavier rainfall, and the Palluruthy region in Ernakulam district alone received 95 mm of rainfall in one-and-a-half hours, which has been rare in recent times. Kalamassery received 57 mm of rainfall in one-and-a-half hours, he pointed out. Rajan said steps have been taken to open 3,597 relief camps in the state, in view of the situation arising out of the rains. Preparations are underway to set up camps that can accommodate over five lakh people during emergencies, he said. An orange alert was sounded in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, and Idukki, while Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode were placed under a yellow alert, as per the latest IMD update. A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm, and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm.

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Delhi gets its first-ever railway coach restaurant at New Delhi Railway Station

Delhi gets its first-ever railway coach restaurant at New Delhi Railway Station. Capital Diner, a one-of-its-kind restaurant housed in a refurbished railway coach, is all set to change the dining experience at the railway station. Situated strategically at the station's entrance, Capital Diner pledges to deliver a one-of-a-kind fusion of history, atmosphere, and culinary excellence, catering to both travellers and locals alike. It will surely serve as an ideal venue for those seeking a quick yet delightful meal before or after their journey, while also offering nearby residents and office-goers the convenience of a distinctive dining experience without straying far from the city's epicentre. Capital Diner redefines dining by repurposing a vintage railway coach into a contemporary yet nostalgic eatery. Blending the allure of classic American diners with the opulence of bygone train voyages, the restaurant's design exudes comfort, charm, and whimsy. Transforming a retired Indian Railways coach car into its core structure pays homage to the romantic allure of train travel, crafting an authentic and captivating ambiance. The interior features a modern minimal bohemian vibe, seamlessly integrating contemporary and traditional design elements, complemented by chic beige LED lighting strips that evoke a luxurious, starry atmosphere. Inside, guests are greeted by brown vertical stripe wallpaper reminiscent of the iconic Orient Express, mallard shade suede booth seating for elegance and comfort, and stylish mosaic tiling that adds texture and visual intrigue. Green planters situated at each end of the coach bring a refreshing touch of nature, and inviting interiors. This meticulous fusion of vintage allure and contemporary sophistication, accented by a hint of whimsical luxury, invites diners to savour an unforgettable culinary journey that evokes nostalgia and celebrates the golden era of train travel. The menu at Capital Diner will take you on a delightful voyage through diverse culinary traditions, presenting an array of mouthwatering dishes tailored to suit every palate. From classic Indian delicacies like kadhai paneer with naan to international favourites like penne creamy tomato with chicken, the chefs have curated a menu guaranteed to please even the most discerning diner. Using fresh, premium ingredients, the culinary team crafts dishes that are both flavorful and memorable. "We are thrilled to introduce Capital Diner, a concept that seamlessly blends the nostalgia of railway travel with a contemporary dining experience," expressed Harish Kumar Arora, Founder of Capital Diner. "Our aim is to provide an unforgettable dining experience that captivates all the senses and becomes an integral part of Delhi's culinary landscape." Address: Circulating area, New Delhi Railway Station, near Ajmeri Gate, Connaught Place, New Delhi Opening Hours: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Average Cost for Two: INR 600

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All you need to know about Vivekananda Memorial Hall where PM Modi is meditating

After completing a rigorous two-month election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a 45-hour meditation at Vivekananda Rock in Kanyakumari on Thursday. He plans to meditate until June 1 afternoon. This spot holds significance as Swami Vivekananda meditated here for three days in 1892. Legend has it that Goddess Parvati meditated for Lord Shiva in the special hall, Sripada Mandapam, located on the rock. Here’s all that you need to know about the memorial hall. In the southernmost tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean converge, stands a monument that transcends time and space. It’s the Vivekananda Memorial Hall, nestled in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, which is not merely a structure of concrete and stone, but a living example of the enduring legacy of Swami Vivekananda, one of the country's most revered spiritual leaders. A tribute to Swami Vivekananda: Built in the honour of Swami Vivekananda, the memorial hall commemorates his historic visit to Kanyakumari in 1892. It was at this sacred site that Vivekananda, deeply moved by the beauty and spiritual significance of the location, meditated on the rock, which is now known as Vivekananda Rock Memorial. His profound spiritual experience and vision for India's future resonated deeply with the people of Kanyakumari and the nation at large. Architectural marvel: Construction of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial began in 1964, blending various Indian architectural styles and completing in 1970. Comprising two main sections, the Shripada Mandapam is dedicated to the goddess Kanyakumari, believed to have her footprints on the rock. It features a sanctum sanctorum, an inner compound, and an outer platform. The Vivekananda Mandapam includes a meditation hall, assembly hall, and statue section. Built to endure coastal conditions, the meditation hall integrates diverse temple styles and offers a serene atmosphere with natural lighting and ventilation. The assembly hall, facing the Shripadam, houses the statue of Swami Vivekananda. Educational and cultural hub: In addition to its spiritual significance, the Vivekananda Memorial Hall serves as a vibrant educational and cultural hub, hosting a myriad of programs and activities aimed at promoting the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and fostering dialogue on spirituality, philosophy, and social reform. The hall regularly hosts lectures, seminars, and workshops by eminent scholars and spiritual leaders, providing a platform for intellectual exchange and spiritual growth. Pilgrimage destination: For devotees and spiritual seekers alike, the Vivekananda Memorial Hall is a pilgrimage destination of unparalleled significance. Thousands of visitors flock to Kanyakumari each year to pay homage to Swami Vivekananda and seek inspiration from his teachings. The serene ambiance and breathtaking vistas surrounding the memorial hall create an atmosphere conducive to introspection and meditation, inviting visitors to connect with their inner selves and experience a sense of transcendence.

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